The question isn't how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood. It's more likely how many holes can a groundhog dig or how many bean plants will they eat if you let them go unchecked?

In past weeks, I have had many friends from farms and suburbia complain about groundhogs mowing down their gardens and flowers.

The woodchuck is a member of the rodent family and is closely related to prairie dogs and chipmunks. They are widespread in Pennsylvania and can be found in open fields, pastures, fencerows and woodland edges.

Unfortunately for landowners, they also prefer to dig dens next to barns and buildings. Last year, we had a woodchuck that ravaged our flower bed and persistently tried to burrow under our front porch.

Their burrowing can have benefits, as these holes aerate the soil and provide homes for other animals. But they can cause extreme damage to livestock and farm machinery.

Horse enthusiasts will tell you of the danger that the holes pose to their prize horses, which can be injured when they step into them.

The woodchuck also eats a variety of vegetation, from tender grasses, agricultural plants and garden produce to available fruits. These feeding habits get the groundhog into big trouble with farmers and gardeners.

The groundhog doesn't have many enemies in the wild because it can be a fierce fighter. They also can weigh up to 15 pounds and grow to more than 2 feet long. When I was a kid, we had a German shepherd that loved to hunt groundhogs in the neighbor's pasture fields.

The farmer loved that dog and offered to buy him from my dad many times. The dog would crawl toward a groundhog den entrance on its belly and lie in wait for hours.

When the woodchuck popped up, so would the dog, and it was usually over in no time. Once, old Rex got into a real battle with a grizzled old 'chuck and it ended up in a stalemate until the groundhog ran for the woods.

Many farmers welcome hunters to their farms and this is a great way to make acquaintances for fall hunting. This time of year, many fields are being mowed for hay and the woodchucks' dens are exposed.

Yet, woodchucks have keen senses of sight, hearing and smell. This allows them to poke their heads slightly out of the burrow to search for danger.

Placing a burrow into a wide-open area also allows the woodchuck several hundred yards of viewing area for potential predators, such as foxes, coyotes and dogs. Man is seen as a threat, and a groundhog will fly to the burrow when he thinks you are too close.

Woodchucks do have an Achilles Heel: When feeding, they will raise their heads every so often. Also, when they are curious, they will stand on their hind feet to get a better look around. This is when a good shot has an opportunity to pick them off.

The most popular rifles for hunting groundhogs fall into the .17- to .27-caliber ranges. Fast and aerodynamic bullets are a must, as well as quality scopes that have higher magnification powers.

Many times, I have used my Model 700 .270 with a custom- load 100-grain bullet that performs exceptionally well for me.

How well I shoot in the 'chuck fields in the summer carries over to my fall hunting experiences.

Remember that you are required to wear an orange cap (and I wear a vest as well), and you will need a current hunting license.

Safety is always a concern. Observe safe shooting areas, avoiding residences, livestock and open backgrounds.